Thread: Finding work as a student / non-native speaker

First post, so hi all!

I´m a german graduate-student coming to Bangkok in mid October and will be an exchange-student at Chulalongkorn University for one semester. I have some questions regarding the possibility of parttime work while studying.

Questions:

-Is there a market for teaching German / does anyone have experience in this area?

-Can I teach English as a non-nateive speaker / what qualifications do I need?

-Since I would like to live near the university (close to Siam Square) or a nearby metro station, how much should I expect to spend on rent?

Some info about myself:

I am German (male), 29 years old and have the German equivalent to a Master in Architecture (Dipl.-Ing.). I speak fluent English, some basic Thai and have been to Thailand 3 times already, so know the basic cultural stuff.

If anyone has any other sugestions for parttime work besides teaching, please let me know!

Thanks in advance for any info!

Add a TOEIC (600+) or an IELTS (5.5) score to your list and you meet the requirements for LEGAL work as an English teacher.

Finding work that will work around your schedule is another matter but there should be something. I would try some of the language academies on or near campus (there is no shortage of them).

Yes, there is a minor market for German language teaching as well.

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Thanks for the info ttompatz. Do you know if I can legally work on a student visa and if not, if it can be changed into a working visa?

You cannot legally work on an EDU visa (they usually have "not legal to work" or something to that effect printed right on them.).
You can, provided you qualify for the visa, have the necessary documentation AND have 21 days or more remaining on your stay, usually be allowed to change your status at the main immigration office in Bangkok.

If they say no, then it is a simple matter to make a trip up to Laos to get a non-b.

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That sounds good, thanks again!

I thought it was the other way around... I thought you could get a work permit with an ED visa, though only for part time work (less than 20 hours per week).... Thailand Education Visa | Thailand Visa | Thai Visa Lawyers

I'd heard that officially you are not allowed to study on a non-b??

Thanks tomcat, Goethe Institut was already on my mind, though they mostly want "real" teachers from what I heard.

Now I´m confused about the possiblity on working with a ED visa! But I guess entering with the student visa is recomended anyways?